"I'll come see you again, my adorable little brother," Isabella whispered, planting a final kiss on Vlad's forehead before reluctantly leaving the nursery. At the door, she turned to the young maid with a cold glare.
"Take good care of my brother, or I'll make sure you and your family suffer," she hissed before striding away. The maid, trembling, stood frozen until she was certain Isabella was gone. Only then did she exhale, stepping back into the room.
Several other maids followed her inside. These women had been carefully selected, their families rooted deep within the nation's borders, ensuring their loyalty. Among them was the youngest maid, the one Isabella despised the most. Her role was unique: she was to provide fresh, virginal blood for the newborn—a necessary sustenance for the young vampire's growth. Unlike the others, her position was long-term, extending well into Vlad's childhood.
Though Isabella had only just met her brother, she already considered him her sole possession. Naturally, she harbored no goodwill toward the maid assigned to his care.
To the uninformed, the maid's task seemed perilous and grueling. But those in the know envied her fortune. Chosen for their magical aptitude, these maids were groomed to enhance their blood's potency, ensuring it was rich in nutrients and magical energy. Their treatment was lavish—nutritionists, chefs, and tutors were assigned to them. In time, their status could rise, especially if they formed a close bond with their masters. Some even ascended to trusted confidants or, in rare cases, secret lovers.
However, the young maid, Maya, felt no joy in her role. At just five years old, she was terrified of the eerie, gothic castle, the powerful yet dangerous vampire nobles, and the bloodletting ritual she was forced to endure. She barely understood the privileges she had been granted. All she knew was that she had been taken from her family, likely never to see them again.
Rebellion was unthinkable. The vampires ruled this nation with an iron grip, their power unchallenged for millennia. Resistance had long been crushed, and even the most defiant souls had either submitted or perished.
Despite her fear, Maya approached Vlad's crib with a mixture of emotions. He was the reason for her plight, the creature who would feed on her blood. She should have hated him, yet he looked so innocent, so angelic, that she couldn't bring herself to feel anything but protectiveness.
"Is it snowing?" she murmured, noticing the flurries outside. She quickly fetched a thicker blanket to keep Vlad warm. Then, hesitantly, she leaned down and kissed his cheek, much like Isabella had.
"I'll take good care of you, Master Vlad," she whispered before stepping out to ask the other maids to light the fireplace. Soon, the room was warm and cozy.
Six years had passed since Vlad von Carstein's birth. Raised with care and affection, he had managed to conceal his extraordinary nature, behaving much like any other child—playful, curious, and polite. Yet, he made no effort to hide his psychic abilities, unconsciously releasing his powers in ways that captivated his family and peers. Rumors of the Carstein heir's prodigious talent quickly spread.
Though his soul was decades old, Vlad knew better than to conceal everything. Revealing some of his abilities early on would prevent greater suspicion later. He had even prepared countermeasures in case of jealousy or ill will from others.
But to his surprise, his concerns were unfounded. The vampires of Sylvania held no malice toward him. Instead, they greeted him with genuine warmth and pride. Whether they were members of the Carstein family, distant relatives, or even other noble houses, they all celebrated his growth. For them, Vlad's talents were a boon to the entire race.
Vlad observed their unity with fascination. The vampires of this world prioritized their species' collective good above all else. Personal gain was always secondary.
"A newborn? Excellent, our race grows stronger."
"The child is healthy? Wonderful, another warrior to join our ranks."
"The child has great potential? Truly, a future leader who might guide us to our eternal destiny."
This selfless, communal mindset was unlike anything Vlad had ever experienced. Compared to the cutthroat politics and treachery of his past life, this noble race felt like a haven.
Surrounded by such values, Vlad developed a deep sense of belonging. This was no crumbling family or hostile world. Here, he was cherished, his potential nurtured.
In a world where betrayal and ambition often tore families apart, Vlad had found himself in a place where loyalty and unity reigned. He couldn't help but marvel at his fortune.
As he lay in his crib, the storm outside raging, Vlad felt a sense of peace. The noble bloodline he had been born into was not a curse, but a blessing. He had been given a second chance in a world where he mattered.
And for that, he was grateful.